Chicago Bears Rumors: 3 Reasons a trade for David Njoku would be a mistake

The Chicago Bears tight end group would be overcrowded

With Jimmy Graham, Demetrius Harris and Cole Kmet slotted to take on most of the tight end snaps in 2020, what is the point of trading for David Njoku. I have heard and read many would like to see Njoku here in 2020 to slot in behind Graham, and then the team should cut Graham in 2021 and extend Njoku using Graham’s remaining salary. The team would have $7 million to spend, but Graham would still be on the books for $3 million dollars in dead cap space if cut in 2021.

This sounds great on paper, but why? Why are we so excited about Njoku who has not really proven anything thus far in his career? Should we take the chance on a guy just because he is a first-rounder? With four legit tight ends fighting for targets in the offense in 2020, what will set Njoku apart enough to trust he is worth keeping over an aging Graham?

Last season was Graham’s worst season of his career outside of his rookie season. Many fear it is due to his age and speed diminishing. The thing is, he was not used correctly in Green Bay and saw the lowest amount of targets in his career outside of his rookie season also. He still outperformed the entire Chicago Bears 2019 tight end group combined.

Njoku’s best season came in 2018. He started 14 games and saw 88 targets. He turned that into 639 yards and four touchdowns. The touchdown number is a bit low, but overall the season would be considered a success. Again, is it worth it for the Bears to give up more in a trade to bring in Njoku who is essentially going to produce the same or less than Graham who is already on the roster? It just makes no sense.